The KKR are not in an advantageous position going into the 2023 Indian Premier League. There is justified criticism about the way their roster is constructed; some players have been signed for discounted prices, whereas others are taking a huge chunk of the team budget in salary. KKR has made some dubious choices in the auction and trade market, making it very difficult for them to compete for the IPL 2023 championship.
Here are three KKR players who have contracts that are too expensive for IPL 2023.
#1 Lockie Ferguson
KKR traded in more than just Thakur for the IPL 2023 auction, having acquired Lockie Ferguson from the Gujarat Titans for a hefty ₹10 crore at the 2022 mega-auction. While unlocking the potential of the express pacer to clock over 150 kmph is one thing, his overall performance in T20s has been less than impressive. In the previous IPL, Ferguson could only fetch 12 wickets in 13 matches at an expensive economy rate of 8.96. He is familiarity with the team could be beneficial, but KKR might regret their decision to sign him over trade.
#2 Shardul Thakur
KKR surprised the world with their trade of Shardul Thakur for Aman Hakim Khan before the IPL 2023 auction. Despite Thakur’s lucrative ₹10.75 crore contract with Delhi Capitals, some are wondering if KKR made a wise decision.
Thakur has posted impressive bowling stats of a 9.06 Economy Rate and the highest score of 29* in IPL 2022. Despite his all-rounded talents being recognized by fans, his contribution in both batting and bowling departments in the shortest format is not consistent. He took 15 wickets in 14 matches at an economy rate of 9.79 and scored only 120 runs. Although Thakur can resolve some of KKR’s issues, his contract value of more than ₹10 crores is not justified. As a result, the Knight Riders were unable to strengthen other departments due to insufficient funds.
#3 Nitish Rana
Throughout the years, Nitish Rana has contributed to KKR with his game, but his performance has not measured up to his high price tag. He is contracted for ₹8 crore, which appears to be too much for his lack of consistency. In none of his seven IPL seasons has he scored more than 400 runs, and his average has been below 30 over the last three. Additionally, over the last two years, he has only achieved four fifties and has made some unwise decisions leading to getting out at crucial points.
